Therapists in North Carolina

Photo of Joanna Spangler, MA, LCMCHA, NCC, Counselor
Joanna Spangler
Counselor, MA, LCMCHA, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27615
Life's challenges can be daunting, leaving us overwhelmed and uncertain. Whether you're mourning a loss, wrestling with anxiety, seeking relief from depression, or healing from past traumas, I want you to know you don't have to face it alone. In our counseling journey together, I'm here to walk alongside you with compassion and understanding. Your experiences are unique and deeply valued; my role is to adapt to your needs and support you every step of the way. Let's work collaboratively to foster healing and growth, empowering you to find resilience and peace in your life.
Life's challenges can be daunting, leaving us overwhelmed and uncertain. Whether you're mourning a loss, wrestling with anxiety, seeking relief from depression, or healing from past traumas, I want you to know you don't have to face it alone. In our counseling journey together, I'm here to walk alongside you with compassion and understanding. Your experiences are unique and deeply valued; my role is to adapt to your needs and support you every step of the way. Let's work collaboratively to foster healing and growth, empowering you to find resilience and peace in your life.
(919) 822-9498 View (919) 822-9498
Photo of Myriam Rabaste, LCMHC, EMDR, II, Licensed Professional Counselor
Myriam Rabaste
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, EMDR, II
Verified Verified
Mint Hill, NC 28227
I am experienced in working with trauma, grief, complex PTSD, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, adjustment & cultural issues, and relapse prevention.
Every life trauma and struggle can be transformed into strength and beauty. My passion is to work alongside those who are determined to face their pain, fears, and limitations and discover their purpose in life. I specialize in the treatment of trauma, grief, adjustment issues, anxiety, and BPD. Every week, we have a DBT group meeting online. Additionally, I also work with people (artists, and athletes) who wish to develop their performance and creativity.
I am experienced in working with trauma, grief, complex PTSD, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, adjustment & cultural issues, and relapse prevention.
Every life trauma and struggle can be transformed into strength and beauty. My passion is to work alongside those who are determined to face their pain, fears, and limitations and discover their purpose in life. I specialize in the treatment of trauma, grief, adjustment issues, anxiety, and BPD. Every week, we have a DBT group meeting online. Additionally, I also work with people (artists, and athletes) who wish to develop their performance and creativity.
(704) 870-2290 View (704) 870-2290
Photo of Myriam Rabaste - Neuronnection Counseling, PLLC, LPC, EMDR II, Counselor
Neuronnection Counseling, PLLC
Counselor, LPC, EMDR II
Verified Verified
Mint Hill, NC 28227
Are you struggling with trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, BPD, or cultural challenges? Together, we’ll create a safe, nurturing space to explore your experiences and build resilience.
Neuronnection Counseling is a privately owned practice that guides individuals through their healing journeys. My mission is to create a warm and supportive environment where you can feel safe to explore your experiences and rediscover your inner strength and capacity for self-healing and growth. With over 18 years of experience, I specialize in helping adults and adolescents who are dealing with trauma, grief, anxiety, difficult & overwhelming emotions, BPD, and cultural challenges.
Are you struggling with trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, BPD, or cultural challenges? Together, we’ll create a safe, nurturing space to explore your experiences and build resilience.
Neuronnection Counseling is a privately owned practice that guides individuals through their healing journeys. My mission is to create a warm and supportive environment where you can feel safe to explore your experiences and rediscover your inner strength and capacity for self-healing and growth. With over 18 years of experience, I specialize in helping adults and adolescents who are dealing with trauma, grief, anxiety, difficult & overwhelming emotions, BPD, and cultural challenges.
(980) 291-4993 View (980) 291-4993
Photo of Lorena Gonzalez Vandersand, PhD, Psychologist
Lorena Gonzalez Vandersand
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
I am a generalist and work with adults with a variety of presenting issues including: relationship stressors, sexual abuse or trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, family stressors and adjustment issues. I appreciate that these issues are often complex and complicated and it might feel very overwhelming. My belief is that people are resilient, and even the most resilient people can benefit from someone listening. My goal is to hear you, support you, and give you helpful feedback and suggestions for how to make changes. I like to focus on the skills and strategies you might be underestimating in yourself.
I am a generalist and work with adults with a variety of presenting issues including: relationship stressors, sexual abuse or trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, family stressors and adjustment issues. I appreciate that these issues are often complex and complicated and it might feel very overwhelming. My belief is that people are resilient, and even the most resilient people can benefit from someone listening. My goal is to hear you, support you, and give you helpful feedback and suggestions for how to make changes. I like to focus on the skills and strategies you might be underestimating in yourself.
(919) 502-7601 View (919) 502-7601
Photo of Katrina Roseboro-Marsh, BA, MSSW, DMin, P-PsyD, Pre-Licensed Professional
Katrina Roseboro-Marsh
Pre-Licensed Professional, BA, MSSW, DMin, P-PsyD
Verified Verified
Greensboro, NC 27410  (Online Only)
The clients I serve find themselves being negatively impacted by unfortunate experiences in their lives. The three most prevalent commonalities are anxiety, stress, and prolonged feelings of sadness or depression. These symptoms can be accompanied by experiences of loss; loss of appetite, money, function, energy, employment, relationships, and oftentimes pleasure. This psychological distress can be rooted in fear, guilt, loneliness, disappointment, anger, resentment, and simple dissatisfaction.
The clients I serve find themselves being negatively impacted by unfortunate experiences in their lives. The three most prevalent commonalities are anxiety, stress, and prolonged feelings of sadness or depression. These symptoms can be accompanied by experiences of loss; loss of appetite, money, function, energy, employment, relationships, and oftentimes pleasure. This psychological distress can be rooted in fear, guilt, loneliness, disappointment, anger, resentment, and simple dissatisfaction.
(669) 234-8672 View (669) 234-8672
Photo of Patricia Pace, MA, MDiv, LCMHC, NCC, LCAS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Patricia Pace
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MDiv, LCMHC, NCC, LCAS
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27607
Patricia Pace is a Licensed Professional Counselor, with expertise in helping clients recover from Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Grief, Addictions and Trauma. She excels in helping individuals and families move through life transitions (major and minor), rebound from setbacks (large and small) and work through the everyday challenges of work and life. She also offers pre-marital, marriage and family counseling (for traditional, non-traditional and alternative couple and family structures). Additionally, Patricia is a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCASA), and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP).
Patricia Pace is a Licensed Professional Counselor, with expertise in helping clients recover from Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Grief, Addictions and Trauma. She excels in helping individuals and families move through life transitions (major and minor), rebound from setbacks (large and small) and work through the everyday challenges of work and life. She also offers pre-marital, marriage and family counseling (for traditional, non-traditional and alternative couple and family structures). Additionally, Patricia is a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCASA), and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP).
(919) 307-7540 View (919) 307-7540
Photo of Sarah Page .... Therapist Counselor Navigator, LCSW, LCAS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sarah Page .... Therapist Counselor Navigator
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28803
Are you living with depression, anxiety, grief, addiction, lack of direction, trauma? I believe that we naturally feel a call to live meaningful, loving lives and know intuitively that this is our best path but we often will feel stuck, unsure, fearful and so take no action. Existential therapy calls this a restricted existence and believes the goal of all therapy is to remove the road blocks that are limiting you from moving toward living your best life.
Are you living with depression, anxiety, grief, addiction, lack of direction, trauma? I believe that we naturally feel a call to live meaningful, loving lives and know intuitively that this is our best path but we often will feel stuck, unsure, fearful and so take no action. Existential therapy calls this a restricted existence and believes the goal of all therapy is to remove the road blocks that are limiting you from moving toward living your best life.
(828) 528-6644 View (828) 528-6644
Photo of Vande Wilson - Caring Hearts Professional Counseling Svcs, PLLC, MA, LCMHCS, LCAS, NCC, SAP
Caring Hearts Professional Counseling Svcs, PLLC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHCS, LCAS, NCC, SAP
Verified Verified
Clinton, NC 28328
Our agency has licensed counselors on staff that provide assessments and outpatient therapy to individuals with a history of trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, addictions, domestic violence, anger management, ADHD, and ADD.
Accepting New Clients. Are you experiencing stress, anxiety/worry, panic or feeling depressed? Do you need help processing your grief or loss? Are these symptoms interfering with your pursuit of your personal and professional goals? Just know, when the challenges of life are difficult to handle on your own; then, you may need someone to talk with to help work through these issues.
Our agency has licensed counselors on staff that provide assessments and outpatient therapy to individuals with a history of trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, addictions, domestic violence, anger management, ADHD, and ADD.
Accepting New Clients. Are you experiencing stress, anxiety/worry, panic or feeling depressed? Do you need help processing your grief or loss? Are these symptoms interfering with your pursuit of your personal and professional goals? Just know, when the challenges of life are difficult to handle on your own; then, you may need someone to talk with to help work through these issues.
(910) 554-3450 View (910) 554-3450
Photo of Caitlin Eckert, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Caitlin Eckert
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27617  (Online Only)
I also work with people who have lost a loved one to a sudden death, such as homicide, suicide, or accidents.
Working with a therapist should feel safe, and that has remained one of my top priorities over my 10+ years of providing therapy. Some of my clients have had therapists before, some are changing therapists, and others are brand new to therapy. Many of my clients are working through previous trauma (childhood and adulthood), have experienced complicated loss, and many belong to a marginalized community. Some of my clients benefit from long-term therapy, while others engage in brief therapy to help get back on track to a better quality of life. Wherever you are in this process, I welcome you!
I also work with people who have lost a loved one to a sudden death, such as homicide, suicide, or accidents.
Working with a therapist should feel safe, and that has remained one of my top priorities over my 10+ years of providing therapy. Some of my clients have had therapists before, some are changing therapists, and others are brand new to therapy. Many of my clients are working through previous trauma (childhood and adulthood), have experienced complicated loss, and many belong to a marginalized community. Some of my clients benefit from long-term therapy, while others engage in brief therapy to help get back on track to a better quality of life. Wherever you are in this process, I welcome you!
(984) 464-4597 View (984) 464-4597
Photo of Valerie L Schwiebert, PhD, LCMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Valerie L Schwiebert
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Holly Springs, NC 27540
Struggling to find happiness & fulfillment? Experiencing grief, depression, anxiety, & stress? Coping skills not working? Need a safe place to share your struggles? Counseling provides a nonjudgmental place to identify your strengths & challenges, develop self-understanding & insight, learn new skills & strategies, and implement a plan to achieve your goals. I am a NC Licensed Professional Counselor with 30+ years of experience. I believe developing a strong & trusting relationship is the basis of effective counseling. We will work to understand life from your perspective. My approach is person-centered, holistic, & eclectic.
Struggling to find happiness & fulfillment? Experiencing grief, depression, anxiety, & stress? Coping skills not working? Need a safe place to share your struggles? Counseling provides a nonjudgmental place to identify your strengths & challenges, develop self-understanding & insight, learn new skills & strategies, and implement a plan to achieve your goals. I am a NC Licensed Professional Counselor with 30+ years of experience. I believe developing a strong & trusting relationship is the basis of effective counseling. We will work to understand life from your perspective. My approach is person-centered, holistic, & eclectic.
(984) 205-0963 View (984) 205-0963
Photo of Emily Carvajal, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Emily Carvajal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
For over 13 years, I have dedicated myself to supporting people of all ages through a range of stressors, including anxiety, depression, tense family dynamics, grief, chronic illness, and life transitions. In this work, I’ve seen firsthand the tremendous pressures individuals face to appear “okay” and the self-blame that often comes from not meeting unrealistic societal expectations. These experiences have deepened my passion for helping those who are entering parenthood, raising young children, caregiving, redefining roles and boundaries in relationships, and navigating the complexities of grief and loss.
For over 13 years, I have dedicated myself to supporting people of all ages through a range of stressors, including anxiety, depression, tense family dynamics, grief, chronic illness, and life transitions. In this work, I’ve seen firsthand the tremendous pressures individuals face to appear “okay” and the self-blame that often comes from not meeting unrealistic societal expectations. These experiences have deepened my passion for helping those who are entering parenthood, raising young children, caregiving, redefining roles and boundaries in relationships, and navigating the complexities of grief and loss.
(984) 384-6712 View (984) 384-6712
Photo of Erin Sweitzer, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Erin Sweitzer
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28226
I am trained in brainspotting, grief and loss and trauma.
Thursday Evening Sessions Available! Are you in a place where life seems full of grief, lonely and fear? Are you dealing with a past experience, trauma or difficulty which seems impossible to move forward without facing? Is there a situation just out of reach and seems hard to obtain your goals? Do you feel overwhelmed, hurt or defeated? These are all specialty areas I can help you with through my supportive and compassionate approach to therapy. My respect for you as the client means I help empower you to achieve your goals and strengthen your own self-awareness and way of handling situations in your own life.
I am trained in brainspotting, grief and loss and trauma.
Thursday Evening Sessions Available! Are you in a place where life seems full of grief, lonely and fear? Are you dealing with a past experience, trauma or difficulty which seems impossible to move forward without facing? Is there a situation just out of reach and seems hard to obtain your goals? Do you feel overwhelmed, hurt or defeated? These are all specialty areas I can help you with through my supportive and compassionate approach to therapy. My respect for you as the client means I help empower you to achieve your goals and strengthen your own self-awareness and way of handling situations in your own life.
(704) 396-8727 View (704) 396-8727
Photo of Melissa Ming Foynes, PhD, Psychologist
Melissa Ming Foynes
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27713
Waitlist for new clients
As a nationally-recognized expert in the areas of stress, trauma, & grief, I source from a wealth of experience.
*Waitlist Only* Are you coping with stress, relationship difficulties, or loss? Feeling overwhelmed or consumed by intense emotions and thoughts? Distressed by memories of the past or worries about the future? We all need help navigating these understandable human struggles. Maybe you're aware of what isn't working and want help figuring out how to take steps toward change. Maybe you're confused about why you feel so stuck or unhappy. Maybe you have already invested time, money, and energy, with mixed results or limited success. It's common to feel uncertain about how to move forward or whether therapy is the right next step.
As a nationally-recognized expert in the areas of stress, trauma, & grief, I source from a wealth of experience.
*Waitlist Only* Are you coping with stress, relationship difficulties, or loss? Feeling overwhelmed or consumed by intense emotions and thoughts? Distressed by memories of the past or worries about the future? We all need help navigating these understandable human struggles. Maybe you're aware of what isn't working and want help figuring out how to take steps toward change. Maybe you're confused about why you feel so stuck or unhappy. Maybe you have already invested time, money, and energy, with mixed results or limited success. It's common to feel uncertain about how to move forward or whether therapy is the right next step.
(984) 207-0788 View (984) 207-0788
Photo of Jennifer Macias, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jennifer Macias
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fletcher, NC 28732  (Online Only)
Are you looking for a therapist who is non-judgmental, inclusive, knowledgeable and makes efforts to understand you and what you're experiencing? If you're working through a loss, struggling with chronic illness, life transitions, low self-esteem, depression or anxiety, know that relief is possible. I create a safe space so I can get to know the real you.
Are you looking for a therapist who is non-judgmental, inclusive, knowledgeable and makes efforts to understand you and what you're experiencing? If you're working through a loss, struggling with chronic illness, life transitions, low self-esteem, depression or anxiety, know that relief is possible. I create a safe space so I can get to know the real you.
(828) 547-4470 View (828) 547-4470
Photo of Tameka Whittlesey, MSW, LCSW, LCASA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tameka Whittlesey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LCASA
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28203
Unhealed grief and trauma can leave you feeling hollow, even when everything looks fine on the outside.
Your life may look perfect on the surface—a successful career, a beautiful home, a seemingly ideal relationship—but underneath, there’s a deeper truth. You’ve become a master at hiding your struggles, forcing yourself to keep up appearances. But this comes at a cost: you’ve lost touch with your true self, and life has started to feel like an endless cycle of just getting by. Behind the smiles, there’s a lack of purpose in your career, overwhelming family obligations, and a fading connection in your relationships. You’re grieving the person you used to be, while resenting the person you’ve had to become.
Unhealed grief and trauma can leave you feeling hollow, even when everything looks fine on the outside.
Your life may look perfect on the surface—a successful career, a beautiful home, a seemingly ideal relationship—but underneath, there’s a deeper truth. You’ve become a master at hiding your struggles, forcing yourself to keep up appearances. But this comes at a cost: you’ve lost touch with your true self, and life has started to feel like an endless cycle of just getting by. Behind the smiles, there’s a lack of purpose in your career, overwhelming family obligations, and a fading connection in your relationships. You’re grieving the person you used to be, while resenting the person you’ve had to become.
(704) 286-9049 View (704) 286-9049
Photo of Jaclyn Bex, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jaclyn Bex
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Greensboro, NC 27403
Life’s events shape us throughout our development. They provide us with our highest highs and lowest lows. Therapy can help us move through those low moments, so we do not become stuck making every new moment feel as though we are experiencing it through quicksand. I have more than 10 years’ experience providing individual, couples, and family therapy to people experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, relationship conflict, family conflict, grief, adjustment to life events, stage of life changes, systemic trauma, and more.
Life’s events shape us throughout our development. They provide us with our highest highs and lowest lows. Therapy can help us move through those low moments, so we do not become stuck making every new moment feel as though we are experiencing it through quicksand. I have more than 10 years’ experience providing individual, couples, and family therapy to people experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, relationship conflict, family conflict, grief, adjustment to life events, stage of life changes, systemic trauma, and more.
(336) 606-4377 View (336) 606-4377
Photo of Melissa Rodríguez, MA, MS, LCMHC, Counselor
Melissa Rodríguez
Counselor, MA, MS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27615  (Online Only)
I specialize in navigating the complexities of immigration trauma, sexual abuse recovery, grief, anxiety, and depression.
As you take in these words, I want you to picture the kind of change that lies ahead—the kind that gently guides you away from those endless nights of tossing and turning, from the heaviness of your struggles. Recovery isn't just a distant goal; it's a step-by-step journey toward rediscovering peace and connection. Think of me as your companion on this path. (Spanish) Mientras lee, espero que visualice cómo se sentirá la recuperación después de incontables noches de insomnio y angustia. El proceso de sanación requiere acción y estoy aquí para ayudarte a descrubrir la paz y conexión que podrías tener contigo misma(o).
I specialize in navigating the complexities of immigration trauma, sexual abuse recovery, grief, anxiety, and depression.
As you take in these words, I want you to picture the kind of change that lies ahead—the kind that gently guides you away from those endless nights of tossing and turning, from the heaviness of your struggles. Recovery isn't just a distant goal; it's a step-by-step journey toward rediscovering peace and connection. Think of me as your companion on this path. (Spanish) Mientras lee, espero que visualice cómo se sentirá la recuperación después de incontables noches de insomnio y angustia. El proceso de sanación requiere acción y estoy aquí para ayudarte a descrubrir la paz y conexión que podrías tener contigo misma(o).
(704) 753-8643 View (704) 753-8643
Photo of Sarah Webber, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sarah Webber
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27614
Life can bring waves of transition; many are excellent, and others are more complex. I enjoy partnering with older adults and their families to provide support and explore ways to improve the quality of life for all. Typical areas of exploration may include retirement, end of life, grief, loss of independence, caregiver stress, role reversal/confusion, depression, isolation, anxiety, and life inventory. I offer a holistic and client-centered approach embracing empowerment, narratives, and strengths to rebalance joy and fulfillment as life transitions.
Life can bring waves of transition; many are excellent, and others are more complex. I enjoy partnering with older adults and their families to provide support and explore ways to improve the quality of life for all. Typical areas of exploration may include retirement, end of life, grief, loss of independence, caregiver stress, role reversal/confusion, depression, isolation, anxiety, and life inventory. I offer a holistic and client-centered approach embracing empowerment, narratives, and strengths to rebalance joy and fulfillment as life transitions.
(980) 252-7953 View (980) 252-7953
Photo of Johanna Contreras, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Johanna Contreras
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27609
I offer individual therapy and specialize in working with adults from various and diverse backgrounds and diverse lived experiences. I have experience working with adults who are experiencing grief and loss, life transitions, depression, anxiety, identity/cultural issues, first-generation issues, self-esteem issues, stress, and trauma.
I offer individual therapy and specialize in working with adults from various and diverse backgrounds and diverse lived experiences. I have experience working with adults who are experiencing grief and loss, life transitions, depression, anxiety, identity/cultural issues, first-generation issues, self-esteem issues, stress, and trauma.
(984) 305-3626 View (984) 305-3626
Photo of Tammy Blackard Cook Online Counseling, LCSW, CDWF, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tammy Blackard Cook Online Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CDWF
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27605
My treatment specializations include working with trauma, anxiety, grief, depression, abuse, relationships, women's issues, and divorce/separation issues.
For more than 25 years, I have worked as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) specializing in therapy with adults. I hold a Master's Degree in social work from the University of Chicago. Throughout my career, I have successfully helped clients struggling with a wide range of issues, though I have a particular interest and expertise in working with trauma and anxiety.
My treatment specializations include working with trauma, anxiety, grief, depression, abuse, relationships, women's issues, and divorce/separation issues.
For more than 25 years, I have worked as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) specializing in therapy with adults. I hold a Master's Degree in social work from the University of Chicago. Throughout my career, I have successfully helped clients struggling with a wide range of issues, though I have a particular interest and expertise in working with trauma and anxiety.
(919) 299-0027 View (919) 299-0027
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Grief Therapists

How long does therapy take for grief?

There is no exact timeline for grief counseling. Some people may start to feel better after just a few sessions, while others may take months or longer to feel relief. Some specific approaches, including some types of CBT, may involve a set number of sessions, or therapy may be open-ended until the patient determines they are ready to wrap up. Just as there is no right or wrong way to grieve, there is no right or wrong way to seek therapy for grief.

When should you seek therapy for grief?

Many people mistakenly believe that their grief needs to be debilitating or all-encompassing to warrant therapy. This is not the case. While people who experience severe, prolonged grief—particularly those who are considering self-harm or engaging in unhealthy substance use—are especially likely to benefit from therapy, so too are people whose grief is less intense but still interfering with well-being or daily functioning. In practice, almost anyone struggling to process a loss could benefit from grief counseling.

Can grief be managed without therapy?

Oftentimes, yes. Grief is a near-universal part of being human, and many find that their grief, while profound, does not stop them from participating in day-to-day life and steadily eases over time without outside help. For others, however, the harsh pain of early grief persists for months or years or leaves them unable to function. This group is especially likely to benefit from seeing a therapist, who can guide them through their grief and help them reconnect with the world.

What happens if grief is left untreated?

Because grief does not in itself necessitate therapy, untreated grief will often resolve on its own. However, for some people—particularly those who would qualify for a diagnosis of prolonged grief disorder—untreated grief can be a source of seemingly endless pain or lead them to withdraw from the world. In such cases, treatment can be indispensable, as it can help an individual adapt to the loss and start living again.